Mace & Crown Fall 2021

Editor In Chief Paula Phounsavath Copy Editor Samantha Taherian News Editor Victoria Tillinghast A&E Editor Sydney Haulenbeek Tech Editor Hannah Smith Sports Editor Benjamin Draper Digital Editor Ryan Jacobs Graphic Designer Margaret Lynch Photography Editor Nicholas Clark

Front Cover Photo Model Caitlyn Kidd Photo Elena Harris Assistants Elena Harris Adrion Alexander Jalen Hannah Noah Fort Contributers Johnasia Starkes Leila Beaman Marjorie Cenese Vincent Falzone Annessa Davidson Corinne Brown Joshua Jones Anna Weingart Valerie Melton Crystal Sudler Pederotti Special Thanks To Dr. Jeremy Saks Jen Cohen

Social Media Editor Maya Reid Mace & Crown is a student-run magazine written and published for the Students of ODU. Originally founded in 1930 as The High Hat, the paper became the Mace & Crown in 1961. Mace & Crown is primarily a self-supporting magazine, maintaining journalistic independence from the university. All views expressed in this collegiate magazine are those of the author, not of the university, Mace & Crown or the editors.

Editor’s Note 3-4

Falling Into Place

Editorial Board 2021-2022 5-6

News

7-8

President Hemphill: On Student Diversity

Inclusion And The Future

9-10

ODU Homecoming: A Time for Love Again

13-16

A Life in Gossamer

11-12

ODU Cold Case: A Trial Awaits

Arts And Entertainment 17-18

Monarch Way Market

19-22 GIRL

Technology

23-24 New Chemistry Building: Catalyzes Future Students’ Opportunities

Sports

25-26 The First Championship Is the Sweetest One 27-28 Sun Belt Conference

29-30 ODU Field Hockey Reigns Through 2021 Season 31 -32 Reign on the Court

Creative Enclave 33-34 Girl Zine

35-36 The Crimson Waters,Under the

Moonlight

37-38 Under the Trees, I Heard the Cicadas Sing

39-40 It Is What It Is

41-42 Original Paintings

43-44 This I Believe, I believe In Always Returning Phone Calls 45-46 Manners, “Girl” Imitation 1 47-48 “Girl” Imitation 2-3

college was like by being involved and making friends. uring the past I joined the Mace and Crown year, we have all nearly three years ago as gone through very a contributing writer and unfortunate events. worked my way up to being We lived in a world where we Editor-in-Chief. The Mace and were maskless and close to one Crown has been there for me another in lectures. It’s crazy throughout my ups and downs. how it all changed as we all The publication supported me were being bombarded with when I first began my journalism classes on Zoom for over a career. When I went through year. However, we now enter a a traumatic moment over two chapter in our lives where the years ago, writing for the Mace world is alive again to signal a and Crown helped me with my new beginning. personal healing. Through love, heartbreaks, and prosperity, the As the weather gets cooler, the Mace and Crown has always leaves change colors from lush remained by my side. I never greenery to reds, browns, and imagined myself being an yellows. The days go by quicker, executive, but when the news as nights become slower. When was brought to me, I knew I I walk around campus, beanies, was ready to embark on the sweaters, and UGG boots are editorship. Thus, I accepted the starting to be worn comfortably. role with all my heart.

To me, fall is a beautiful time of transition that symbolizes When I was appointed to be people coming together to the Editor-in-Chief, the vision celebrate the holidays. Just like and mission for this publication how the seasons change, I am was to have a strong amount ready to transition into the next of outreach to our community. chapter of my life.

I wanted to welcome everyone and anyone with open arms This shall be my first and to write or create something last time working on our with us. Along with other magazine with the team, as I organizations on campus, we am graduating this December. wanted to start off strong for I remember entering ODU our community by making like it was yesterday, knowing ourselves known. I worked with that I was alone with no family very passionate and driven members near me. However, I people who are continuing this wanted to experience what ODU legacy, but in a greater form. We were able to achieve so many goals and became

successful within a short period of time, for which I could not be more proud of.

The team worked diligently and swiftly on this special project dedicated to all of you. From talking and maintaining close relationships with students to surveying each and every one of your responses, we were able to work together on the conceptualizations and designs in accordance to what you all wanted. Once you turn the glossy and shiny pages, you will see how much resilience, inclusivity, and diversity we have here on campus.

Despite all of the odds against us, I’m absolutely ecstatic to see that everything is still perfectly aligned and is falling into place.

I cannot express how honored and grateful I am to have served you, the ODU community.

The team and I hope that you enjoy this magazine as much as we have enjoyed making it for you.

Thank you for your continued support,

Margaret Lynch Graphic Designer

www.maceandcrown.com

Noah Fort Assistant Sports Editor Benjamin Draper Sports Editor

Ryan Jacobs Digital Editor Victoria Tillinghast News Editor Maya Reid Social Media Director

Samantha Taherian Copy Editor

Hannah Smith Tech Editor

Sydney Haulenbeek Arts & Entertainment Editor

Jalen Hannah Assistant Sports Editor

Fall 2021

PRESIDENT HEMPHILL: ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP,

resident Brian O. Hemphill’s presence is often seen as a tall man dressed in a bow-tie suit, greeting students and faculty members at certain events around campus. Oftentimes, he is with his wife and first lady of ODU, Dr. Marisela Rosas. Despite a busy schedule, the president was able to speak with the Mace and Crown about his passion for ODU student life.

PAULA PHOUNSAVATH

The president has had an extensive career in higher education. He served as the associate vice chancellor and dean of students at the University of ArkansasFayetteville, served as the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, and was the associate professor at Northern Illinois University. He also went on to become the tenth president and professor of West Virginia State University. President Hemphill also served as the seventh president and professor of Radford University for five years.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND THE FUTURE

His workplace is located on the second floor of Koch Hall. The newly renovated room has a very mid-century modern interior, but what makes this room significant is the great history of important university figures throughout the last century. From President Lewis W. Webb Jr. to the first female ODU President Roseann Runte, these public figures all sat in the same office.

They had made some of the most important decisions for the university, including infrastructure plans, increasing student enrollment, and budget spendings or cuts.

Hemphill has written texts covering topics such as gun violence, financial and economic issues in the collegiate discipline, and studies in STEM. He was appointed by former President John D. Broderick, after he announced his retirement in 2020.

He was surprised when he discovered that he became ODU’s first African American president.

“It was an honor and a privilege,” Hemphill said. “It’s definitely an honor that I don’t take lightly.”

Being a first-generation college graduate and also accomplishing many ‘firsts’ in his career, engaging with the ODU community is important to him and is proud that ODU is a diverse school. He explained, “We’re an institution where nearly 50% of our students are from diverse backgrounds.

About 28% of our faculty are from diverse backgrounds as well, so we’re a very diverse campus.”

“As we’re thinking about our future, we would clearly have a great appreciation for the D.E.I. [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion],” said Hemphill. “I want to www.maceandcrown.com

look at how we continue to grow our understanding and our appreciation, [and] prepare our students to be able to leave this institution [to] go out and do great things as strong citizen leaders.”

The president spoke passionately when discussing engagement with the community and addressing the public, a skill in which his masters degree has helped a lot. He graduated from Iowa State University with a masters in journalism and mass communication.

“The skills that I developed and hold as a part of my academic study are of significant benefit, from sitting down and engaging with the media directly to thinking about the public speaking and writing aspects of my work,” President Hemphill explained.

While it’s important for him to engage and interact with students, the president highly encourages students, especially minorities, to lead on-campus organizations, “I say this for minority students and majority students, I think that it’s important for them to engage in leadership opportunities on campus.”

“We have 300+ student organizations to collaboratively engage and work with people from diverse backgrounds and be leaders in these organizations. Be the treasurer, be the president, be the VP — whatever it may be, but engage, that really he+lps you prepare for the work you do beyond the institution. And so, I think that leadership roles are rounding out — if you will — your educational experience, and I highly encourage students to engage.”

On his advice to students who aspire to be in leadership roles, “you’ve got to make sure that you go and be a part of our organization fair or you have an opportunity to meet the diverse number of organizations that we have.

And, just simply figure out what works for you, what will make your college experience even better beyond the classroom.”

“I typically say to students, ‘If you don’t see the organization and we don’t have it, you can develop it.”

While the president has privileges, like any other public servant, the job is far from being facile. Hemphill’s presidential privileges come with a residential home, the Jacobson House, which stands shrouded across from Powhatan Avenue facing the Elizabeth River. He can also carry out executive orders for the university, has a team of staff working in his sector, and meets with other important public servants throughout Virginia.

time and being able to get to key places and meet members of the community,” Hemphill explained. “I have external and internal groups that I need to make sure I am engaging. And so, it’s just navigating that, that’s the biggest challenge. If we can figure out a way to add more hours in a 24 hour day, that’d be wonderful.”

Despite the challenges and big initiatives, Hemphill always looks forward to the students’ journey during their time at ODU. “I love the beginning of the year when we have new students that are coming on campus, moving in, meeting the parents, having the conversations with the students, and the excitement and energy at the beginning of the journey,” He said. “But, I equally love the experience of commencement, when you have an opportunity to see so many bright eyes that are excited about the next step in their lives and moving on to great things beyond the institution.”

“Those are two cornerstone experiences that I definitely look forward to because I know the meaning of those experiences and that journey, especially being a firstgeneration college student myself,” he said. “I know the meaning of what that degree means for families and generations within that same family and so those are things that I always get excited about.”

“You’ve got to make sure that you go and be a part of our organization fair or you have an opportunity to meet the diverse number of organizations that we have. And, just simply figure out what works for you, what will make your college experience even better beyond the classroom.

However, he emphasized that the challenging part of the job is how quickly the hours go by in a day.

“There are so many different people to meet and engage with, but of course, there’s also the challenge of competing events. So, it’s really just managing the Fall 2021

Homecoming at ODU has had a long and varied history.

Homecoming at ODU has had a long and varied history.

Starting back in the 1960’s , the campus tradition Starting back in the 1960’s, the campus tradition has seen a plethora of events ranging from parades, has seen a plethora of events ranging from parades, floats, live music events, bike races and the school floats, live music events, bike races and the school dance that the Mace & Crown at the time referred to dance that the Mace & Crown at the time referred to as the “Social Event of the Year.” as the “Social Event of the Year.”

Homecoming even served as a time for protest at one Homecoming even served as a time for protest at one point. Like when in 1970 former Governor, namesake of point. Like when in 1970 former Governor, namesake of the Life Science building, and alleged segregationist the Life Science building, and alleged segregationist Mills E. Godwin Jr. shorted the university’s budget by Mills E. Godwin Jr. shorted the university’s budget by approximately 4.4 million, according to The Virginianapproximately 4.4 million, according to The VirginianPilot archives, and the students retorted by changing Pilot archives, and the students retorted by changing that year’s homecoming theme from “A Time that year’s homecoming theme from “A Time for Love” to “A Time for a Fair Appropriation” for Love” to “A Time for a Fair Appropriation” rallying students and rallying students and supporters to write supporters to write legislators and legislators and save ODU from save ODU from losing quality losing quality education, education,

building funds, and accreditation. According to building funds, and accreditation. According to the University archives, homecoming had come the University archives, homecoming had come and gone throughout the years. We saw a rebirth and gone throughout the years. We saw a rebirth of interest in 1986, then again in 1991 when the of interest in 1986, then again in 1991 when the event became synonymous with sporting events. event became synonymous with sporting events.

The event moved between October and November, The event moved between October and November, coinciding with either the opening of ODU basketball coinciding with either the opening of ODU basketball or football, it eventually evolved into the event or football, it eventually evolved into the event students experienced today which fosters school students experienced today which fosters school spirit and camaraderie. spirit and camaraderie.

Though ODU Homecoming 2021’s official theme Though ODU Homecoming 2021’s official theme wasn’t, “Time for Love Again,” it might as well wasn’t, “Time for Love Again,” it might as well have been. With the COVID-19 pandemic effectively have been. With the COVID-19 pandemic effectively cancelling all school events the prior year, this cancelling all school events the prior year, this year’s homecoming served as a reason for students year’s homecoming served as a reason for students to reconnect and heal from these turbulent times. to reconnect and heal from these turbulent times.

It reminded the student body what it meant to be a It reminded the student body what it meant to be a Monarch, and what it means to love ODU. Monarch, and what it means to love ODU. A pinnacle part of defining what it means to be a A Monarch pinnacle ispart definingofwhat means to beKing a theofelection the itHomecoming Monarch is thewhich election King and Queen, serveofasthe the Homecoming face of the Monarch andcommunity.

Queen, whichSeveral serve asgreat the face of the Monarch candidates ran this community. candidates ran thisof year, withSeveral varied great backgrounds in courses year, with varied backgrounds in courses study and extracurricular achievements of but study and extracurricular but with one shared goal in mind achievements — to represent what with sharedODU goalstands in mind — to represent what they one believed for: diversity, integrity, they believed ODU stands for: diversity, integrity, and connectivity. These concepts weren’t lost on the andwinners, connectivity. concepts weren’t lostwho on were the CaitlynThese Kidd and Demetre South, winners, Caitlyn whofootball were crowned at theKidd ODUand v. Demetre Western South, Kentucky crowned at the ODU v.

Western Kentucky football game halftime show on Oct. 18 in KornBlau field. game halftime show on Oct. 18 in KornBlau field.

Though the game proved to be a crushing blow Though the game proved to a crushing blow it for sports enthusiasts, forbeKidd and South, for enthusiasts, for Kiddthat andthey South, it wassports a pinnacle of achievement pursued was a pinnacle of achievement that they pursued

Kidd, who ran on the principle of providing students and especially underclassmen with Kidd, who ran on the principle of providing students and especially underclassmen with an example of how to balance fun with professionalism is an aspiring music teacher. And an example of how to balance fun with professionalism is an aspiring music teacher. And reflected back on what it was like for her to be standing on the field awaiting the results reflected back on what it was like for her to be standing on the field awaiting the results of the homecoming court race. With seven family members in the audience, including of the homecoming court race. With seven family members in the audience, including her parents who drove four hours to be there and her aunt and uncle who drove six, she her parents who drove four hours to be there and her aunt and uncle who drove six, she remembers thinking, “Lord, I pray I win.” remembers thinking, “Lord, I pray I win.”

For South, he was concerned no one was awaiting him in the stands. His mother, little For South, he was concerned no one was awaiting him in the stands. His mother, little brother and little sister had gotten caught up in traffic. brother and little sister had gotten caught up in traffic.

“I’m thinking, I’m just all alone.” says South.

“I’m thinking, I’m just all alone.” says South.

South had described his mother as his number one role model in the South had described his mother as his number one role model in the Royalty Blue Carpet event that prior Monday, sharing that watching Royalty Blue Carpet event that prior Monday, sharing that watching her overcome her own personal struggles made him the person he her overcome her own personal struggles made him the person he is today. is today.

Kidd and South have been friends since freshman year, and Kidd and South have been friends since freshman year, and affectionately accredit each other for being the other’s hypeaffectionately accredit each other for being the other’s hypemen. It was their mutual respect in each other’s ability to men. It was their mutual respect in each other’s ability to be strong, independent, as well as charismatic and be strong, independent, as well as charismatic and communicative to their fellow Monarchs that helped communicative to their fellow Monarchs that helped pathe the way to what was about to be the most pathe the way to what was about to be the most memorable moment in their college career. memorable moment in their college career.

South’s name came over the loudspeaker first, “The South’s name came over the loudspeaker first, “The best part of that moment is when I got in the middle best part of that moment is when I got in the middle of the field--of course everyone’s embracing me of the field--of course everyone’s embracing me [...] but then, I heard Caitlynn’s name too!” “I was [...] but then, I heard Caitlynn’s name too!” “I was already super happy for him, like I was jumping already super happy for him, like I was jumping for him,” Kidd shared enthusiastically, “So like, for him,” Kidd shared enthusiastically, “So like, when my name got called it was like ‘Oh yea, we when my name got called it was like ‘Oh yea, we definitely lit.’” definitely lit.’”

The pair shared there was no bad blood amongst The pair shared there was no bad blood amongst Homecoming court nominees, they were all happy Homecoming court nominees, they were all happy to be there and share this experience together. toThis be there and share this experience together. is akin to South’s definition of happiness he This is akin South’ s definition of happiness gave at the to Blue Carpet event, which he definedheas gave the Blue which the at support he Carpet gives toevent, others and he thedefined supportasthey the support he gives to others and the support they off give to him. To top off the night for South, he walked give to him.Field To top off greeted the nightbyfor walked off it just Kornblau to be hisSouth, familyhe- who made Kornblau Field to be greeted by his family - who made it just in time. in By the time Kidd and South return to Kornblau Field to pass time. down Bytheir the time Kiddthey and will South return to Kornblau Looking Field to pass downto crowns, both be graduates. forward their they willand both be graduates. to theircrowns, next step in life maintaining their Looking goals, forforward South this their next step infinancial life and success maintaining goals, this encompasses and their for Kidd sheforisSouth confident encompasses financial andcareer for Kidd is confident she will be well on her success way in her as ashe music educator. she will be well on her way in her career as a music educator.

For now they are both glad to have shared this experience not For now they arewith botheach gladother to have thisODU experience not only butshared with their community. only with each other but with their ODU community.

Carey told WAVY that just hours before the shooting, a friend of Cummings from Newport News was at the residence to visit, with two others the roommates didn’t know. One of these men pulled a gun on Cummings and tried to rob him. It was believed that the men returned to the residence later that evening to finish the job. Cumming’s father James Cummings told ABC7 News that the neighborhood Cummings lived and died in was riddled with break-ins, violence, and robberies. The Baltimore Sun was also told that this was the second time Cummings’ home where he lived with Carey and his fraternity brothers had suffered a potential burglary. According to Chris’s father, during the first incident, Chris saw a man approaching the home and ran down the steps, pushing him out of the door when Chris saw the man pull a gun. While at the time Chris’s father would believe his death was a revenge killing, police still described the incident as random.

According to the incident report of the 2011 incident, which the Mace & Crown received through a FOIA request, four suspects in the Cummings murder were listed. With one name redacted, the remaining suspects were Rashad Dooley, Javon Doyle, and Ahmad Watson.

Doyle, Watson, and Dooley, along with a fourth suspect Kwaume Edwards, would not be arrested until 2021. According to 13NEWSNOW, all four suspects are being charged with the following:

VICTORIA TILLINGHAST Shortly before the semester began, a ten-yearold cold case involving the homicide of ODU student Christopher Cummings had a surprising update. According to WAVY-TV 10, the Norfolk Police department announced the arrest of four individuals connected to the 2011 killing of Cummings and the critical injury of his roommate, Jake Carey.

On June 10, 2011, an intruder entered the offcampus residence, taking Cummings’ life and injuring his roommate Carey. It is still suspected to be an attempted burglary that happened between the hours of 4 and 5 a.m. on the corner of 42nd Street and Killam. Police told ABC7 news that Cummings struggled with the gunman, thus saving the life of his roommate. WAVY-TV 10 states that Carey still suffered five gunshot wounds from the incident, along with the emotional scars of losing a friend and no justice for 10 years.

Homicide | First-degree murder | Conspiracy to commit-first-degree murder | Use of a firearm in commission of first-degree murder | Burglary with the intent to commit murder with a deadly weapon | Conspiracy to commit burglary with a deadly weapon | Aggravated Malicious wounding | Use of a firearm in commission of aggravated malicious wounding | Attempted second-degree murder | Use of a firearm in attempted commission of second-degree murder| Two counts each of discharging a firearm in an occupied dwelling| Attempted robbery The Theta Chi fraternity held a candlelight vigil at Kaufman Mall in remembrance of Cummings on October 21, 2021. The Theta Chi Fraternity, which Cummings was a member of the Zeta Pi chapter, remembered Cummings as a brother and a member of their community. Cummings’ late uncle Elijah Cummings, a member of the United States House of Representatives for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, would continue to remember his nephew via his policies and stances on gun control.

“I literally saw his brains splattered on the wall,” Rep. Cummings told the Baltimore Sun, “He didn’t do anything wrong, but like so many of our young people here, his life was taken by a bullet.” Rep. Cummings would pass away in 2019 without seeing justice for his

nephew, but his personal loss would help spark the debate for better gun control and the need for campus police forces at other universities such as John Hopkins.

Cummings has been reported to have planned to follow in his uncle’s, Rep. Cummings, footsteps. CBS Baltimore reported that Cummings was an honors student, majoring in criminal justice. With a 3.5 GPA, he passed away as a junior hoping to become an attorney. ABC7 News reported that his friends remembered him as upbeat, protective, always really happy and great to be around.

While three of the suspects currently awaiting trial have fairly innocuous rap sheets according to the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System, the fourth suspect currently awaiting trial has a more disturbing past.

Edwards, the fourth suspect arrested in August, has stood trial for violent crimes multiple times. In 2014, Edwards was found guilty of strangulation and bodily injury, resulting in a five year sentence with one year of supervised probation. This sentence was revoked shortly after by another trial. Later, Edwards entered a guilty plea in a child assault and battery case in 2014, which resulted in 12 months sentenced and six months suspended. A trial for murder in the second degree involving Edwards took place in 2011, ending in nolle prosequi, which means it was abandoned by the prosecutor or plaintiff.

In 2015, Edwards stood trial for murder, which ended in a mistrial concluded by jury. In 2016, Edwards was again on trial, this time for second degree murder. Both trials list the offense date as May 17, 2014. In the second hearing, Edwards pled guilty and received a sentence of 40 years with 31 years suspended and 40 years supervised probation.

In relation to the same offense, Edwards was found guilty in 2016 of the use of a firearm in a felony which ended in a guilty plea and three more years added to his sentence time. A charge of murder in the first degree ended with another disposition of nolle prosequi.

While prior offences do not equate guilt in the eyes of the judicial system, Cummings’ parents remain hopeful as the case is worked through the system.

With local police departments keeping with the trend of not commenting on ongoing investigations or trials, we will have to wait for more details as to why it took so long for Cummings’ family to see their day in court. Cummings’ father told 13NEWSNOW it would be “poetic

justice” to see the trial arraigned in the Elijah E. Cumming Courthouse in Baltimore, Maryland, named after Cummings’ late uncle who, like the rest of his friends and family, grieved Chris deeply after his passing.

On Nov. 5, a crisp day unbefitting of the usually warmer-than-liked autumn days typical of Norfolk, Joyce Hoffmann opened the doors to her home for yet another interview. Despite her years of work and excellence in journalism, today was a first for the long-time ODU professor as she would finally be on the other side of the questions. While Hoffmann had been approached before for her expertise, her books, or other published writings with the press, never before had she spoken about herself; her legacy, her work and what is to come in the next chapters of her life.

Immediately slipping into the role of the evergracious hostess, the environment Hoffmann called home and had created to be a lived-in space was carefully curated of objects. They are in no doubt made up of sentimental value which to her are probably priceless monetarily. With a quaint fire roaring, she floated through the immaculate rooms to show off her spice drawer—organized alphabetically, as a testament to her love of cooking which was already apparent by the double ovens installed in her newly renovated kitchen.

Hoffmann is no stranger to guests in her home, boasting years of inviting the ODU English department and Mace & Crown staff during her years of advisement for the organization. She would have afternoon parties that are timed to politely remind visitors of when it’s time to excuse themselves and leave. Organized in a way that would make Wes Anderson weep from the classical music playing through the TV speakers to the carefully placed stack of the New Yorker magazine in the kitchen entryway

chair, it came as no surprise that the woman who students have complimented publicly for her timeless sense of style extends that style to her home décor.

Though “timeless” is the first descriptor that comes to mind to introduce Dr. Hoffmann, she is in fact instead, a time capsule. She is an amalgamation of years of cultural experience in which she has carefully picked up mementos from critical moments and wove its meaning into her overall persona.

Hoffmann has been described as many things over the span of her life and her career; a delight, a classy writer, a force to be reckoned with, and a black widow. The last nickname has become a personal badge of pride for Hoffmann, though it’s not tied to the popular true crime sentiment of the definition. Hoffmann has never killed a lover; instead, she earned this title by being a female force in the field who can inflict a dangerous bite- just ask the Norfolk City Council, who Hoffmann brought to court in 2014 claiming the council had violated the Freedom of Information Act. It’s a time in her career Hoffmann commonly describes in her classroom as being “quite fun”, despite ultimately losing the case.

Theodore H. White, author of “The Making of the President 1960” and a famous journalist, was one of many Hoffmann had interviewed over the years.

He was the one who gave her the moniker of being a ‘classy writer’ afterwards. It was those who knew her from her city government beat with her first newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania that bestowed her with the title ‘the black widow.’

“I wore both characterizations with an equal sense of pride,” Hoffmann said, sharing how she included

both anecdotes in her application letter to ODU, “I didn’t want people in city hall to think I was their pal—I wasn’t—but I really loved it that a famous journalist called me a classy writer.”

Hoffmann also wrote on both in her bio recommendation for emeritus at ODU, “When I think back on my career at ODU, the wonder is that I even got hired at all,” she says, recalling what she wrote, “and that’s because apparently my application letter offended people.” She laughed. It’s a sentiment she’s used to in all her years as a reporter, “You don’t want to be loved by the people you’re reporting on.”

As a teacher, it was different. Dr. Hoffmann will be retiring from her position as a professor in the English department here at ODU, after 27 and a half years of service. “It’s interesting that I never regretted leaving journalism because teaching has been so fulfilling,” she reflects, “What I think has been the best part of ODU, for me, is that I hope that I’ve been a kind of role model. In particular, for students who have been first generation students and first-generation Americans—which is what I am.”

Hoffmann has many other firsts, including being the first female general assignment reporter for the Allentown Morning Call newspaper. “In some ways I was a novelty,” says Hoffmann, “I think some of the men in the office thought I was being catered to in ways that were unfair—that I was getting chances that others didn’t.”

“That I was the golden girl in the newsroom—well, I was the only girl in the newsroom.” Hoffmann continued, “But my attitude was, well, I work hard.”

And she did.

Throughout the years at The Morning Call, Hoffmann would travel to cover a multitude of presidential candidates, from Ronald Reagan to Ted Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush. Her front-page coverage did not go unnoticed by those who organized the press conferences. It was in April of 1980 when her office desk phone rang. “Can you come to the White House tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. to meet with the President in the Oval Office?”, President Carter’s Press Aide Ray Jenkins asked.

As she wrote in The Morning Call, “How could you say no?” It was while waiting in the Oval Office for the then President Carter, who was running 20 minutes late, when Ray Jenkins served Hoffmann coffee—in Styrofoam cups.

“I was really offended.” Hoffmann laughed casually on her living room chaise, “A Styrofoam cup—in the White House, are you kidding me?” She would write in the Morning Call, “I was expecting something classier, maybe a china cup with the presidential seal on it—especially here in White House Press Secretary Jody Powell’s office.”

In her piece covering the press experience, Hoffmann wrote on how the 40-minute interview passed quickly before Carter got up to stand before a huge potted philodendron. “This must be the standard spot for these shots. Around the White House, they just presume you want a photograph. Nobody ever asks.

It’s just done.” She writes, “The President offers his guests warm handshakes and toothy grins as the camera shutter clicks. And it’s all over. Out I go, clutching my notebook and tape recorder, feeling slightly giddy. It had gone quite well—then I realize I left my handbag inside. An aide goes to fetch it. “The President,” he says, “was rifling through it.”

“I got so much blow back from readers,” Hoffmann concluded the recollection through fits of controlled laughter, “’How dare you, how dare you say something like that about the President?’”, recalling the reaction to her personal White House experience.

Despite her abundance of personality, her approximately 20 years of advising to the Mace & Crown student publication remained a hands-off approach at her insistence. “It was always kind of up and down. And my attitude was, ‘Okay, this is a student newspaper and I need to make myself available, but I can’t inject myself in what they do.’”

Ironically, Hoffmann was apprehensive about the Mace’s decision to switch from traditional newspaper editions to glossy magazine prints. “I worried a lot,”

shared Hoffmann, “Because, yeah, the magazine is a whole lot sexier, but I would say all the time: your responsibility is your student audience, and you’re the only organization that speaks to that audience exclusively.”

This goes hand in hand with her fiery insistence in the importance of journalism in general. “There is no democracy without journalism, democracy doesn’t work without a watchdog,” says Hoffman, “Journalism is totally imperfect, and I don’t disagree with that, but it’s still the only functioning organization in our society that is equipped to be a watchdog of the government.” And similarly, a watchdog of the powers-that-be here at ODU. Hoffmann has been part of this watchdog service for many years, starting her career at ODU in 1994 under then President James V. Koch. “I saw the possibilities here.” Hoffmann remembers having witnessed the construction of the Ted Constant Center, the Village, the expansion of distance learning programs, international studies, and the improved focus on diversity here on campus. “It’s been a great place for me, it really has been.”

During her time at ODU, Hoffmann has been a staple in the journalism niche, writing two books: “One Their Own: Women Journalists and the American Experience in Vietnam”, and “Theodore White and Journalism as Illusion.” Hoffmann also served as the public editor for the VirginianPilot, writing many articles for many publications nationwide, as well as academic papers on behalf of ODU. More so than that, she has touched the lives of many aspiring journalists who have gone on to pursue careers to her great pleasure.

Spiders begin weaving their webs by releasing a piece of silk and waiting for the wind to pick it up. These eventual symbols of their prowess are, in part, reliant on the good fortune of the winds picking up that first strand and blowing it in the right direction. It is the craftsmanship of their design that interlocks all the pieces together to collect their prey, the morning dew, and become phantom-like symbols of personal strength and independence in the sparsely lit forest trails. But no web stays up forever.

“I have to say, I’m wondering what is going to be like when I teach that last Wednesday. You know?”

Hoffmann ponders, “What is it going to be like when I have my last class?”

“I hope I don’t cry.” Her focus drifts into the empty

air of her living room, where a blooming orchid quivered faintly in the fall breeze on her glass coffee table. Her face, most commonly adorned with a welcoming smile, is suddenly blank in a brief moment of contemplation.

Though in Hoffmann’s lifetime the playing field for female journalists has shifted dramatically, she is in agreement that it is not yet equal. She leaves with a recommendation for those who have seen her as a role model and aspire to follow in her footsteps.

“Keep going and understand that you have a place.

And stand your ground.” Hoffmann urges, “And I know that’s hard to do.” She continues, “You have to persevere, and you have to be the best.” But, most importantly, “Read, read, read. Know things. Study.”

In a piece of advice reflective of her own life’s achievements, she adds “You make your own stories, really.”

It’s a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon. Kids kick a soccer ball back and forth in the street, and a light breeze keeps it from being swelteringly hot.

When I first met Christine Harrell, she was sweet and forthcoming — asking me questions instead of the other way around. ‘What am I studying? Why ODU?’ Her kids are the ones playing in the cordoned off road — she’s a self proclaimed soccer mom.

Harrell is a mother and the founder of Equinox Coffee and Apothecafe’ Botanicals. She’s also the co-creator of a non-profit yoga and a nonviolent communication program taught in prisons. Harrell started all of these ventures with her husband, Ty Harrell, but describes her volunteer position at the Market as “kind of the one woman show.” Her husband came up with the idea for the Market, but it has become her baby. She figures out logistics around the vendors, street closures, and food, while her husband focuses on their businesses.

The Market on Monarch Way is a community market that operates in Brock Commons, located at the intersection of Monarch Way and West 47th Street. It came to fruition in April of 2021, during the pandemic. However, as the Market is outdoors, it is nearing the end of its season. Harrell hopes to see it open again in the spring, as the Market’s final scheduled date is November 20. It operates every Saturday until then, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Unlike a lot of markets, the Market on Monarch Way operates without contracts and only charges a $20 operating fee for booths (nonprofits are free).

“Community shouldn’t [cost] an arm and a leg,” said Harrell. “The money that we get from here pays for the street closures. Always trying to put it back into community is very huge for me and my husband.”

ODU alumni have held booths, and so have ODU students, teenagers, and children hosting with their parents.

To many of the vendors, both community and family are extremely important.

For Jillian Smith, founder of J. Loretta, her involvement at the Market was a combination of factors.

“Facebook, plus my love for cosmetics, plus my daughter’s college — it all came together,” Smith said. Facebook was where she discovered the Market.

“The company’s name is J. Loretta and is named after my mom, who was Julie Loretta. Her favorite color growing up was like this orangey-red type of lipstick. It’s something that always stuck with me, so I decided one day, you know what, let me just try and make my own,” said Smith. “And also, being a darker skinned woman, sometimes it’s harder to find things that look good on you, so I was just like: you know what? I’m going to make my own.”

Smith makes all of the cosmetics herself, and her mother and sister help to create the packaging.

“So the love of my mom’s look, and then bringing in my love of cosmetics, I just meshed everything together and that’s how it came about,” said Smith.

She’s been making cosmetics for two years and describes it as a “forever thing.”

“I definitely am not going to stop because my mom will not allow me to possibly [consider] it,” Smith said, “it definitely is a forever thing for me.”

Senior ODU student Bree Ogletree has a small business on Instagram where they sell candles and crystals. Her booth at the Market is one of her first physical events. Instagram is their primary focus, and is where she is accepting orders. Their website is currently under development.

Her profitable crystal business began during COVID. “When COVID happened, it really gave me time to sit down, and concentrate on what’s really important and what really matters, which is my friends and my family,” Ogletree said. “I couldn’t wrap my mind around what was going on with COVID, I just need-

ed something else to believe in.”

And that something was crystals, resulting in their quickly growing crystal collection.

“The amount of money I spend on crystals — don’t tell my mom,” Ogletree says as her best friend, who is accompanying her, laughs.

“All the crystals are authentically sourced,” they tell me, and with each purchase she’s pressing complimentary crystals into hands.

Another vendor, Christina Huger, runs the Min Collection. Originally, Huger started making T-shirts for herself because she found it hard to find pieces that fit her. From that, she transitioned to the jewelry her booth sells, saying she got to a point where she didn’t have the money to order T-shirts and went “let’s make jewelry.”

Huger doesn’t have an online store, or even business cards.

“My main focus is individuality and bringing something simple, minimalist, at an inexpensive price. I don’t mass produce anything,” she said. “Because I want people to feel that they have the only one, or I make only five of these and never make them again, because I don’t even remember what they look like.”

One of Huger’s favorite pieces that she has made is a silicone bracelet. On one side, it says “HUMAN”.

On the inside, it says “Change the world by being yourself ”.

“I’m very big on being human,” Huger said. “Sometimes we tend to forget that we’re all human, the way we talk to each other, the way we treat each other.”

She enjoys doing meaningful and random events — which is what brought her to the Market.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to bring my business to ODU students. When you’re a student, you don’t have the most money in the world. It’s an inexpensive way for self expression,” she said.

“You may be the only person on campus with one of these bracelets.”

Christine Harrell still seems to look upon the Market with a sense of awe towards the success of the unique event she founded and runs.

“Having the first year, and having people just come, it’s awesome, because you see the potential and growth of it,” Harrell said. “Really, the Market was only supposed to be a side gig for me, and then it became like, ‘oh my god, people really love it.’ I’m just very thankful how the community is very welcoming to this.”

But for Harrell, it always comes back down to community.

“When I think of farmers markets I think of community,” Harrell said.“I think of family, I think of just having fun on a Saturday, where we’ll have buskers, sometimes we’ll have music. There’s not a college out here that has its own market.”

ODU’s theme for the fall 2021 school year is Arts & Social Justice, making the Themester the first ODU has ever held. With an emphasis on connection between the world and coursework, many classes have been altered to fit the Themester, and special exhibitions and events are held under the theme.

Professor Kelly Morse had a different take on her entry level literature classes this year.

She always teaches Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl”, asking students to compose a piece based on their lived experiences, and the impact of societal pressures on them, in the same format as the original.

“I have taught “Girl” for the past 4 years that I’ve worked at ODU,” said Morse, “it’s actually the very first piece of literature that I give to the students because it has a very unusual format and kind of surprises them. Because people often have a misconception as to what studying literature is. They think it’s something that doesn’t relate to their lives, a lot of times students have lost their love of reading. It’s a very short piece, but it’s a very deep piece. The main character, you see her progress from [age] 11 to a young adult woman … over the years when I have them do an imitation, it always really speaks to them,

even though it’s from the late 70s. It’s a way for them to interact and talk about gender roles, and what has changed, and what hasn’t changed.”

“I’ve done this imitation for a few years now, and the students wrote beautiful, sad, heartbreaking wonderful things, but only I ever saw them. And then when this art and social justice [themester] came up, then it seemed like ‘oh, well this seemed like a great opportunity for more than just me [to] see these creative works, that other people could see it.”

When Morse introduced “Girl”, she tried to help all of her students see that they experience common pressures. “[I] asked the room how many people in this room have been told to smile, because they will look prettier when they smile, and all the female bodied [students] raised their hands,” she said, “and there was a moment, where all the male students went ‘whoa’.”

“Men have intense pressures, too, and it gets compounded if you are a man of color, if you are LGBTQIA+, it just gets really complicated,” Morse said. “And so it’s a way for them to get to know themselves and know each other through this very safe format.”

This semester, she partnered with printmaking Professor Brendan Baylor. Students in Morse’s literature class are given the opportunity to print their piece. They are working together with Baylor’s printmaking students, who are designing covers and hand printing them to create a zine.

“The prompt is really helpful because it’s about students talking about their own experiences, what are the messages that they’ve gotten as they’ve been raised... in our society,” said Baylor. “Everyone has a story to tell that relates to that, because we’ve all been raised within this society to be a certain way. Maybe not all the same way, but definitely we’ve been raised to be a certain way. The students have a lot to respond to for their own personal experience. And my students, when they see these writings, they say ‘oh, I’ve heard that, people said that to be before, I’ve heard a lot of these things before.’”

“And that was from men and women, obviously women are not the only people who think about gender and have gender enacted on them. So it’s been really great to see the students taking it on and making it their own.”

The students are given design freedom. Some are designing covers similar to book covers, while others are producing something that’s about “creating a visual analogue to the writing.” Baylor intentionally gave the students flexibility because their creation was based on their own experiences, and he wanted to see how that would be represented in the cover.

The zines will all have the same content inside of them. However, they will have different covers. Many of them will be hand printed using screen printing, but there will also be pamphlets printed on printer paper. Students

who contributed will each get a copy, and leftover zines will go to Eleanor’s Norfolk Bookstore after the reading event on Dec. 2.

Both Baylor and Morse are deeply invested in how the zine presents the students participating.

“It’s a way of giving voice to one’s experience,” said Baylor, “this gives everybody a chance to make their voices heard and speak to society.”

“I think the power to tell stories, especially stories that aren’t traditionally told, there’s always room for more of that,” said Morse.

“I hope it encourages them to realize their voices have value,” Morse said. “Traditionally in literature, for hundreds of years and thousands of years, the voices and literature were educated, privileged white men of the upper class, and so that ends up being who you study. There’s been a big shift over the years, but … it hasn’t been that long since women, and writers of color, and working class folks have had the opportunity to write, because they weren’t taught to read.”

“In some ways it’s just so unbalanced, that there is an overwhelming wealth of literature about a certain kind of person’s experiences,” said Morse. “This is a way to sort of help that balance, because if you don’t see your life reflected in writing, in some ways it can make people feel invisible, or not valued.”

“Making culture is part of how we make our society. So by giving our students an opportunity to make culture, and make culture publicly, it’s a way of showing them the power that they have to affect and change society, said Baylor.

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As ODU’s student body is so diverse, he finds it interesting to see the differences in stories and vast variation between cover designs.

This gives the students the opportunity to speak on the ways they fit and don’t fit.

“In a lot of ways they’ve been told that they don’t have a lot of power, or that their voice isn’t important, and so by giving everyone a platform to have their voices heard, we’re able to make a more inclusive society,” said Baylor. “ That’s the purpose of the project, to give students a sense of their own power.”

The zine is aptly named “Girl” after the prosepoetry piece that spurred it all.

It’s about “the power to tell stories, especially stories that haven’t been told,” said Morse.

“The work is deeply personal, but that’s what’s so powerful about it.”

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The 2021 school year brought what Old Dominion University students would consider to be a “new normal”, with the previous semesters being completely virtual. However, walking back onto campus this semester brought a new building for the chemistry department, which brings an array of new opportunities for the students to come. This new building was part of a $213 million investment in STEM-H buildings on campus. A building like this was deemed necessary by then President Broderick for ODU’s student body, based on the percentage of students pursuing a degree that would lead them into a medical or technical research profession.

One student in particular took advantage of the partnership between ODU and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to admit qualified students into medical school. This allows for a bypass of the traditional application process. Regan Allen, a senior at ODU, sat down to talk about her experiences and the excitement she has for the new addition to the Chemistry department. Allen is a Hampton Roads native who graduated from Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Virginia.

Throughout her four years at ODU, she has exemplified extraordinary use of her time, even with such a rigorous course load each semester. Some examples include her volunteer leadership as a Young Life leader and working at Wagner Macula & Retina Center.

What is your major and graduation year?

I am a biochemistry major with a minor in psychology, and I am graduating in 2022!

What is the program that you participated in at ODU for your early acceptance to EVMS? I applied to the joint program that partners Old Dominion University with Eastern Virginia Medical School. A student accepted into the ODU/EVMS Joint Program in Medicine will be guaranteed a position at Eastern Virginia Medical School upon graduation from Old Dominion University. This program is designed for qualified students to circumvent the traditional application process to medical school.

How has ODU and the chemistry department prepared you for your early acceptance to EVMS? The ODU chemistry department has provided me with research opportunities and resources to succeed academically. I was fortunate enough to develop professional relationships with some of the staff within the department. Due to the kind and welcoming staff of the chemistry department, I was always accepted into research labs, even as a freshman.

I believe that these connections aided in my acceptance into the early admission program. The courses I’ve taken have also prepared me well for the next step in my education. The chemistry courses that I have taken have been challenging in a way that has encouraged me to grow as a student.

What is your favorite memory or most memorable experience as a biochemistry student?

My most memorable experience as a biochemistry student was presenting my poster presentation at the Perry Honors College Undergraduate Research Symposium. This memory is so significant to me because it was the catalyst of my love for science. I knew that I wanted to be a biochemistry student, but getting the opportunity to present my research solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of my academic experiences, my favorite memories as an ODU student are the athletic events.

Why did you decide to study biochemistry specifically and not just chemistry?

I chose to study biochemistry because of the practical applications for my career choice. While chemistry is equally [as] interesting, I want to go to medical school which requires a solid foundation in biology. I chose biochemistry to better prepare myself for graduate school.

How has the chemistry department provided an environment for your individual learning and research?

The chemistry department provides undergraduate students

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with opportunities to pursue research and work closely with graduate students and principal investigators. In my experience with the chemistry department, I’ve had ample access to academic resources to help with my courses. My research experiences were hands on, and I attribute the helpful nature of the faculty to my success thus far. In the labs that I have researched in, it felt like the faculty valued my input and my development as a student.

Could you describe your inspiration to pursue a medical career?

I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career centered around helping others. This passion, combined with my love and curiosity for science, has encouraged me to seek out a career as a physician. I enjoy being challenged academically, which suits the field of medicine well. I have been inspired by other amazing health care providers that have pushed me to want to become a doctor. I hope to one day become the type of physician who advocates for equal access and quality care for all patients.

Has ODU’s Chemistry department created any new inspirations for your continuing education?

The faculty and staff in the chemistry department have inspired me through their rigorous research and pursuit of quality education. Some of my professors have been so encouraging and excited for me to learn, which has given me the self confidence to continue my education. In addition to my professors, my peers have helped me tremendously throughout my time at ODU. How does it make you feel that the university is committed to cultivating an environment by renovating the chemistry building for future chem students?

The new chemistry building reflects ODU’s passion to educate future professionals in STEM. It is encouraging to know that ODU values the chemistry department and its contributions to the university. By providing a new, state of the art learning space, ODU is giving students the resources they need to succeed.

How has your undergraduate research experience better prepared you for your medical career?

My undergraduate research experience has made me a more resourceful and independent student. Doing research taught me how to find information and teach myself complex content on my own. Research has also taught me how to be self-disciplined.

The research environment isn’t as structured, and I learned how to pace myself to meet deadlines.

Overall, my undergraduate research experience has made me more self-sufficient. Knowing how to find information on your own while also knowing when to ask for help is an important attribute of a future physician.

If you could give any advice to a younger student who would also like to follow your steps in your educational journey, what would that be?

I would tell younger students to pursue every opportunity they’re given. Even if it feels silly or useless, you can learn something new from every experience. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone either. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and ask for new opportunities. I would encourage students to be persistent in pursuing experiences in research despite feeling discouraged sometimes.

Most importantly, enjoy your experience and have fun.

The Old Dominion Women’s soccer team is a prime example of what it means to put in the time and effort for it to finally pay off. ODU captured its first ever Conference USA championship after defeating Southern Miss in the final of the conference tournament by a score of 1-0.

This is the first time in ODU women’s soccer history that a team not only won the regular season title, but also won the conference tournament. In recent years, the ODU soccer team appeared in the tournament and have never made it past the semifinals after losing to Marshall 2-1. The only conference title that the Lady Monarchs won prior to this season was a conference championship in the Colonial Athletic Association back in 2006.

Winning the conference tournament is an automatic ticket into the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament, which is the Monarchs’ second appearance in the postseason. The only other appearance for ODU was when they lost to Wake Forest in the first round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, 4-0.

Women’s soccer started their championship campaign back in August, when the student athletes came back to campus. According to the Conference USA preseason poll that is voted on by the coaches in the league, the Monarchs were picked to finish fourth in the East Division of the conference. They started the season at home and defeated the East Carolina Pirates 2-1. ODU finished non-conference play with a 3-2 record, with wins over East Carolina, William & Mary, and Richmond. The Monarchs dropped their matches against NC State and VCU. Once conference play came around, the Lady Monarchs kicked it in another gear and went on a four match winning streak to start league play. They defeated UTSA, UAB, Middle Tennessee, and Marshall.

In addition, they held four straight shutouts, outscoring the opponents 9-0. The winning streak came to an end at the hands of East Carolina on the road, as the Pirates got their revenge on the Monarchs and won the match up 1-0. The loss did not faze ODU, who went on to defeat

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consistency this year and to do what we have done so far and in the manner we have is just fantastic and a real testament to just how good we have been.”

In the quarterfinals of the C-USA tournament, the Monarchs met UTSA. The game was very intense and could have gone either way for both teams. They scored in the first overtime of the match up and prevailed, advancing to the semis. This led them to a face off with Middle Tennessee. After falling behind in the semifinal match early 1-0, the Monarchs struck two goals later in the match and defeated Middle Tennessee 2-1. Because of this, they advanced to the conference championship match for the first time.

Western Kentucky and tied with Charlotte in the next two matches. This propelled the Monarchs into the top of the East Division.

ODU split the final matches left in conference play with a stunning 1-0 loss at home on senior night against Florida International. They traveled down to Florida and won the regular season finale against Florida Atlantic 2-0. With the win, they secured the No. 1 seed in the East Division of the conference tournament. The Lady Monarchs secured the regular season title and had high expectations going into the postseason conference tournament. They finished the regular season with a 10-4-1 record and (6-1-1 C-USA).

Everything the ODU womens soccer team has done this season came down to this one match because it was a “win or go home’’ situation. They faced off with Southern Miss, who was also the number one seed, but from the west. An early goal from senior Morgan Hall gave the Monarchs the advantage. The goal was everything that the Monarchs needed. They didn’t allow a goal for the rest of the game and won the match 1-0.

This captured their first league title in Conference USA. “It has been a journey we started eight years ago, and every player who has helped take this program forward year after year to build a platform to get us to this stage today, well this trophy is for all of them too,” Hind said after the championship victory. “They deserve this moment.” Coach Hind surpassed her previous record for wins with Old Dominion with the 13 wins this season.

Previously, there was a record of 10 wins in 2019. Two wins in the NCAA Tournament ties the school record in wins in a season. In the 2006 season, there were 15 wins.

The Monarchs looked onto the next goal of the season, which is to win the national championship. The NCAA hosted its Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 8 and revealed the round one slate. ODU will begin its quest for eternal glory when they meet with the top seeded Duke Blue Devils in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

No matter what the outcome is in the championship tournament, Old Dominion has proven that they can play among the best collegiate soccer teams in the country. ODU began its journey in the summer not knowing what the future would hold, but their effort on and off the field has awarded the deserving soccer program a historic season to remember.

When asked about conference play in the regular season, Head Coach Angie Wind expressed her excitement for the way her team has played and how the consistency of her team proves how good they can really be. “To play eight games in this conference and concede only one goal is just incredible. We showed again tonight just how much of a squad this really is as so many played a part of this win tonight. That has been the way all season long,” Coach Hind said. “This team has shown such 26

The Old Dominion University field hockey team has brought in nine NCAA Championships, 31 NCAA tournament appearances, 32 conference championships, and 52 All-Americans that have played throughout the years. Among the coaches in the Big East Conference, the Monarchs were picked to finish third in the Big East preseason coaches poll. After finishing the season 9-5 in 2020, they were ranked 16th in the nation. ODU lost in the conference final against UCONN for the second consecutive season, but they used this as motivation to regroup for the new season. Although ODU is returning most of their players, it is still somewhat of a new roster. Though this is a young bunch, the task of winning championships has remained the same.

Before the season, Head Coach Andrew Griffiths expressed how he thinks this could be the year that they take the next leap. “We’ve been pushing the boundary and just haven’t gotten through the last couple of years and I feel like it’s coming,” said Head Coach Andrew Griffiths. “We’re really young, we’re probably going to start five freshmen. But there’s a lot of talent, a lot of good young players. This is an exciting time for the team and the program.”

To begin the season, the Monarchs started with a home matchup against 17th ranked Delaware. They dropped the season opening match 4-0. In the next game, ODU welcomed American University into town. The game went into overtime, where the Monarchs found the back of the cage winning 3-2. Then, they went on the road to face 24th ranked James Madison. The matchup went back and forth, but a late goal in the fourth period lifted ODU to victory.

After back-to-back victories, the Monarchs returned home and defeated Longwood 2-1. ODU went back on the road and shutout VCU 3-0. The winning streak was up to four games, but the next match was going to be a true test for ODU. They went on the road to face 16th ranked UCONN, who has been a powerhouse in the Big East for a long time. The Lady Monarchs were not able to compete with the Huskies and were shutout 2-0, which ended the four game winning streak.

After dropping the match against UCONN, the Monarchs bounced back. Because they were on a winning streak like they had as the season opened, it went up to five games. They defeated Quinnipiac at home 7-0 before going on the road and knocking off the 11th ranked Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville 2-1. Then, they went on and won on the road against Villanova by a score of 3-2. ODU returned home for their next two matches and defeated Richmond in a high scoring competitive game 4-3. The Monarchs defeated Georgetown late in the week 2-0, which extended the winning streak to

five. Another tough road test laid ahead, as the Monarchs had to travel down to Durham, N.C. to play the 22nd ranked Duke Blue Devils. ODU was not able to keep up with Duke and lost the contest 5-1.

In their next matchup, they went on the road to play Providence and won 2-1. ODU met Virginia again at home, falling behind early and coming back in the second half. Two goals were placed to defeat the Cavaliers 2-1. With only three games left in the season, the Monarchs’ next two games were at home, winning both matchups. They defeated Temple 2-0 and fell behind against William & Mary early on. In the second half, they went on to win over the Tribe 2-1. The regular season finale was another tough road test against the 8th ranked Liberty Flames. In the first half, they gave up two goals that made them fall to Liberty 2-1.

Old Dominion finished the regular season with a 13-4 overall record and 5-2 in the Big East Conference. ODU qualified for the Big East Conference Tournament. This gave them a shot at playing for a championship and earning a NCAA tournament berth. The tournament champion receives the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship. Head coach Andrew Giffiths expressed his joy for another chance to play the same teams again in the postseason. “I’m excited to get to the Big East Championship and get another shot at these teams,” Griffiths stated. “The best thing about this team is that we have had strong performances from different players each game and so many players have been stepping up to make a difference. We are playing as a real team, and that’s fun to be a part of.”

The Monarchs had a face off with UCONN for the second time this season, and the Huskies were the second seed in the bracket. They had won the last nine consecutive conference tournaments, dating back to 2012. It was a tough and competitive semi-final matchup, as UCONN scored the first goal of the match in the second period. ODU came back with a goal of their own to tie it in the 11 minutes left in the match.

UCONN found the back of the cage again and was back in the lead with an intense final two minutes. ODU did not come back for a second time and fell to the Huskies once again. They were eliminated from the Big East tournament.

Although the Monarchs did not earn the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, they still had a chance to make the big tournament. The NCAA held its selection show on Nov. 7, where the Monarchs watched to see if they got to play. The tournament field is set with 18 teams, with 10 automatic bids for conference champions. The remaining eight are selected based on the top teams in the country that didn’t win their conference championships. The Monarchs were not selected, and their season ended with a 13-5 record (5-2 Big East). There is a lot to look forward to next season, with a young group of women that are determined to take the next leap and bring back the championship in ways that the program is accustomed to.

It will be another fun season for the Old Dominion Monarchs men’s basketball team as they look to play at a high-level in the C-USA. In the 2020-21 season, Head Coach Jeff Jones led ODU to a 15-8 overall record and a 11-5 record in league play. This earned the Monarchs a number two seed in the C-USA Tournament.

Since the 2013-2014 season when Jones was named the coach of the Monarchs, ODU has been ranked first in the C-USA for road wins in general (54) and in league play (40). They also rank second in total wins (168) in C-USA. Jones has led the Monarchs to a 92-23 winning record when playing home games at Chartway Arena.

Jones has 525 career victories as a head coach in the NCAA. To start the season, the non-conference schedule is very tough for Old Dominion. ODU plays on the road at James Madison, East Carolina, George Mason, William & Mary, and Richmond.

The home game against VCU on Dec. 11 will also be a big game for the Monarchs before conference play. All six schools were ODU’s rivals when they were all members of the Colonial Athletic

Association. ODU will also play in the Myrtle Beach Invitational in late November, and all games will be televised on the ESPN platform.

ODU will face off with Indiana State in the first round. If the Monarchs win, they will likely meet Oklahoma in the second round.

Winning most of those early-season non-conference matchups will be key for ODU to head into the C-USA. According to Head Coach Jeff Jones, he expressed how tough the schedule is and hopes that the players added this offseason will help the Monarchs become a better team.

“To people who know basketball, they understand it’s a very difficult schedule. It’s the kind of schedule that, if we’re successful, could set us up well for the postseason, Jones said.

“I’m excited about the pieces that we have. I’m excited with the effort and focus so far.”

Coach Jeff Jones has done a good job in recruiting players to ODU. He will also be bringing back several players from last season into this season minus the departure of Malik Curry.

Curry had left the Monarchs this past offseason to go to the Mountaineers in West Virginia.

When asked about Malik leaving, Jones expressed that although the departure was a tough blow to the team, the new acquisitions will help fill in that hole and is hopeful that this team can surpass last years. “No question, Malik Curry played a big role for us,” Jones said. “But with the new additions and improvements the returning guys have made, not only will we compensate for that loss, but we have a chance to be a significantly better basketball team.” Jones also expressed how if Malik had stayed with ODU, they would be the favorite to win the C-USA, but regardless of the loss, the team this season will be competitive and in the championship hunt.

The Monarchs have brought in some talent from the transfer portal. First off, Charles Smith IV made the transfer to Norfolk from SMU this offseason. Charles made 45% of his three-point shots last season for the Mustangs. He was a four-star recruit out of high school in Atlanta. He chose to come to ODU in search of more playing time. His shooting from long range will be a valuable asset to the Monarchs.

Another transfer that chose to come to ODU is 6-foot-3 C.J. Keyser, who is a senior from North Carolina Central. C.J. played two seasons for Wichita State and then transferred out to play his next two seasons for N.C. Central. Keyser averaged 16.4 points per game last season at N.C. Central to earn first-team All-MEAC honors. He has one season left

of eligibility.

“C.J. is a veteran guard who has proven at the collegiate level he can get buckets,” Jones said. “Adding offensive production has been a priority this offseason, and C.J. can help us do that. We needed to have more shooters on the roster and we do now.”

Senior A.J. Oliver II, who is a transfer student from Clemson, led the Monarchs in threepoint shooting last season. 33 of those were from behind the arc. With the new shooting assets, teams won’t be able to pack the paint and will force the Monarchs to beat them from mid-to-long range.

Other notable players for the Monarchs include senior Austin Trice, a 6-foot-7 forward from Kansas State that averaged 8.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. He earned sixth man of the year. In addition, 6-foot-7 sophomore guard Mekhi Long from Rhode Island played

a key role in defending and rebounding. Sophomore forward Stephan Morris is a 6-foot-7 transfer from Kilgore Junior College down in Texas that has added depth for the Monarchs. He averaged 5.2 points and 2.4 rebounds. Another player to look for is Kalu Ezikpe, the 6-foot-7 junior from Atlanta who averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He had foul trouble throughout the 2020-2021 season, but can be a dominant player on the court.

Ezikpe was named a Preseason All-Conference USA Honoree. Along with that, Ezikpe and teammate Jaylin Hunter were named team captains by ODU Head Coach Jeff Jones. The Monarchs were picked to finish fifth in the Conference USA Preseason Poll. “The truth is, you don’t really know until you start playing how good you’re going to be. But we certainly have a chance to be really, really good,” Jones said.

The Monarchs are hopeful to see the return of the 6-foot-5 junior Jason Wade onto the court in an ODU uniform again. After suffering season-ending injuries in the last two seasons, he has been working to get back out on the court with his teammates. He suffered a knee injury that required surgery his first

year. The following season, after several months of rehab, Wade ended up tearing his achilles tendon and had to miss the entirety of the 2020-2021 season. He was one of ODU’s top players a few years ago, and his return to the court in the future will be monumental for the team.

When asked about Wade’s situation through the years, Jones went on to explain how he hopes to see Jason return to the team after experiencing tough injuries that are hard to come back from.

“Jason Wade has experienced several setbacks and is currently not enrolled in school,” Jones stated.

“But we are hopeful that Jason can rejoin the team in the future.”

ODU will open the season up with an exhibition against Gannon University, a Division II school from Erie, Pennsylvania. Tip Off is slated for Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. This could possibly be a big year for the men’s basketball team, but only time will tell how the season will shape out.

Clean your room on Saturday; Sunday is for bonding and family dinner; don’t walk around the house bare-foot; get in the house before the streetlights come on; change your clothes when coming in from outside; to presume like the young lady you are, keep your legs crossed at all times; close your mouth when you chew; never wear red, the color is too provocative; don’t hang out with those street walkers – you are the company that you keep; boys don’t want anything but what’s below your belt; all boys are the same; if you stand and your fingertips are longer than your clothing, take it off it’s not to be worn; your hair is too thick; kissing, touching, or even looking at boys will have you stuck for 18 years; ladies should carry themselves like ladies so refrain from tight clothes; God is our only superior; but why can’t I choose who I worship?;

women are in charge of all inhouse work; women are the nurturers; sex before marriage won’t get you a seat in heaven; you’re responsible for your siblings since I take care of your needs; when someone older than you addresses an issue, you immediately fix it; you can never get things done because you’re always on your phone; if you’re unsure about how to use the oven, set it to 350°; I’m not one of your little friends; you think you’re grown – you’re smellin’ yourself; stop running in and out the house; you need to stay at home more often - no one likes a street girl; who you think you talkin’ to?; your nails shouldn’t go past your fingertips; don’t get your hair down your back; you need to dress more girly; don’t wear your clothes like that, you look like a little boy; you’re nothing like when I was growing up; you will find yourself raising a baby

if you keep it up; you can do as you please when you start paying bills; college is the only option after high school; go do your homework; go clean that kitchen; don’t mark up your body or puncture holes all in your ears; keep up with your appearance; you eat out too much – stop buying food; where you going?

– you’re not grown; I never said I was grown; where do you think you are going at this time of night?; whose party is it? - who’s going to be there?; go get those bags out the car; you want

somebody to look at your goodies; all you do is sleep; he’s just your friend? - what’s his name?; you can’t go out this weekend, you just went out last week; fix your face; there’s food in the house; put your phone on my dresser by 9 o’clock; When you enter a room speak; Smile and greet anyone you come in contact with; well hello to you too - you didn’t sleep beside me last night; that room not gone clean itself; if it was a snake it would have bit you; get off that phone - tell your friends you’ll see them tomorrow.

As twilight falls Upon the misty valley, Only illuminated by Dying stars of aeons past, An elder one recalls A flow of current, Gathering time in her path.

Where divine bodies once gathered To welcome life into the void, And flora and fauna grew Coloring the terrain, So too anomalies of shapes and sounds Welcome young ones to the plain.

And on this landscape Of orchestral harmony, Lies the birthmother

Of all living beings, Sacred is the water Which flows from her, Pure as a virgin’s wedding ring.

But as time moves on So do children, Grown and ready To conquer the world, And lay waste to the Once serene land.

And until the little ones remember How they came to be, The mother of life lies patiently, Waiting for the day when The children return to her, And once again play gracefully By the crimson colored waters.

When the full moon glows brighter Than the stars in the sky, The souls of the dead awaken And take to the earth.

They bring stories From beyond the grave, Enlightening the living With tales of foreign realms And plains with magnificent animals Of shapes and sizes.

Colorful flowers dot the land of splendor, Bringing serenity to those making love Under the golden archways.

And when the time comes For the living to begin life anew, They simply need to take The visitors by the hand, And dance under the moonlight.

“I’ve left a lot of places.”

She says it with a shrug and a sad little smile, and I - well. I don’t know what to say.

There’s nothing self-pitying about her, as though she’s recognized the futility of fighting against the universe and has ultimately decided to allow it to have its victory, however premature it may seem to anyone else.

I can’t help but wonder if there’s something to be admired there. She’s not kicking and screaming, drawing out the struggle for its own sake. She yielded gracefully, on her own terms, before something else - that untouchable Entity - dictated the terms for her.

Most people would call her a coward. A quitter, as if there isn’t any value to understanding when a battle is lost before it’s begun.

I’m curious, too; intrusive as it feels, I want to know more about this woman, with her tired smile and weary eyes set in a face that isn’t entirely closed off just yet.

I’m tempted to ask, but it’s not my place to dredge up those kinds of memories. And I won’t deny that part of me is scared, too.

I can’t fathom how this woman - this quiet, unassuming woman - shoulders her designated burden day after day; I’m not entirely confident I could bear a fraction of it should she choose to share.

I’m not sure what that says about me, but that’s a thought for another time.

The train rattles on, and her necklace rattles with it. She steadies it with unconscious ease. There’s a ring on her finger, too - a simple golden band. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it evokes such strong sadness in me that I’m taken aback. I hadn’t known this woman ten minutes ago; I suspect I still wouldn’t know everything there is to know about her in ten years. But there’s something about that ring…

She doesn’t touch it as frequently as she touches the necklace. The women around us sport jewels of all sizes from ear lobes and delicate chains; their hands are adorned with inordinate decorations that glitter and shine. It takes time, but I realize eventually that the contrast between her ring and the jewelry that sparkles around us is stark; hers is loved, plain and simple. Against that, the necklaces and rings favored by the other woman come across as harsh, garish.

They are prized, but they are not loved.

Her eyes are just as telling as her words. It doesn’t feel like a stretch to assume this woman has seen more in her lifetime than… well, just more. More of the inevitable peaks and agonies of love and grief and everything in between.

The train rumbles to a jarring halt. The woman stands, and her hand finds her necklace again. Deliberate this time - a reassuring touch from an old friend. As though they’ve come to a place she knows well.

The silver pendant hanging loosely around her neck is tarnished. It’s easy to tell this is a prized possession - her hand returns to it multiple times over the course of our encounter, absentmindedly running a finger over the engraving on the front. I can’t quite make out what it is. A name, maybe, or a date. Not enough detailing for a face.

She catches my eye as the doors grind open. I start to stammer out some sort of apology for staring, but she merely smiles.

It’s every bit as weary as it was before, but it’s genuine all the same.

She pats her necklace one last time. “My son,” she says, and steps off the train.

I met my grandpa when I was 15. He is my mother’s father, a tall man with a booming voice and a boisterous personality. We met when he arrived, unannounced, at our house one day. The perplexing aspect of this encounter was that, although he did not resemble my mom, nor did I have any specific memories of him, I somehow recognized him. I was unaware why he and my mom had stopped talking, or why he had disappeared from our lives, but I somehow knew my mom would not want to see him. While he mingled with my dad and introduced himself to my younger siblings, I snuck away to call my mom, who had been out of the house that day with her friend. She was grateful for the warning and did not come home until several hours later, when her father was long gone. He called and left a message for her that night. Sometime in the days that followed, she returned the call.

If I were to look through my family’s old photo albums, I would see my grandpa in many of them.

There are pictures of us together, from my birth up to around six years old. From there, he disappears.

picked up right where they left off, as they had a habit of doing this dance. It was common for them to lose communication for a few months now and then. The problem, however, was that he ignored her during the time when she needed him desperately.

The timing was, to my mother, unforgivable. For nine years, at least.

As far back as I can remember, my mom preached to me the necessity of independence, though her definition of it may differw from most others’. She taught me to build up walls and to shut people out, acts which I have since learned are not necessary.

She told me that even the closest people in my life should not be totally trusted, because that gave them the power to hurt me. These likely were philosophies learned in her childhood, being bounced back and forth between her divorced parents and always feeling unwanted. In my own childhood, I emulated my mom by ignoring family members I did not like.

I had little to no sense of attachment outside of my immediate family. I was distrustful of my grandpa when he returned in our lives. I was, at the time, the least willing to give him a chance. My mom never encouraged me to forgive him, as she said it was my choice.

There are only a few pictures of him with my younger sister, and even fewer with my younger brother, the baby of the family. He reappears in our family photos when I am fifteen. It almost appears as though he never left. Most people likely would not notice his temporary absence when flipping through the pages.

The day my grandpa came to the house, my mom explained why he was absent from our lives for nine years. She told us that she had ended her contact with him after my brother was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. My brother had been two at the time of his diagnosis and had been in and out of the hospital for much of his young life at that point. My mom, searching for some light in the darkness, reached out to her father for consolation. My grandpa did not answer her call, nor did he return it, at that time.

It seemed he did not know what to say to my mom.

My mom, stubborn, hurt, no longer had anything to say to him. I do not know at exactly what point in those nine, silent years, my grandpa started calling again. I suspect it was just months after that initial missed call. If not for the timing, my mom likely would have answered his calls and they would have

The experience with my mom and grandpa eventually taught me that ignoring people is a waste of precious time. I have never asked him, nor has he mentioned it, but surely my grandpa wishes he was in the photo album from start to finish. I will never understand why it took him nine years to show up at our house, or why he did not return that first call from my mom after hearing her heartbreaking voicemail. After all, if you are going to forgive someone, or to ask for forgiveness, what is the difference between now and nine years from now? Although it may not be possible to keep in constant contact with everyone I love, and though I may miss a phone call here or there, I always return them. I have no ill will towards my grandpa; however, we do not talk every week, or even every month. He works a lot for an old man, and though I try to make myself available for friends and family, there will always be instances when life simply gets in the way. Even though most of the time he does not reply, I still text my grandpa every now and then. On the rare occasion when he texts me first, I always reply.

Conduct yourself in public the way you should.

Don’t embarrass your family’s name. What you do at home, you will do in public. Open the door for people who are carrying plenty.

Say yes maam, no maam, yes sir, no sir. Use your manners. Shake the person’s hand when you greet them. Make the handshake firm and meaningful, but not too hard. Don’t tell family business. What happens in this house, stays in this house. Don’t go to someone’s house and eat their food. You say no, even if they offer. If we go for dinner, don’t chew with your mouth open. Wear your best clothes with no wrinkles.

Put on clean undergarments. Wash your body, brush your teeth, put on smell goods every day. Not a birdbath. Don’t wear white after Labor Day. The color of your clothes should be in season and not loud. Your shoes should shine like a wax floor. Don’t slurp your drink until the ice makes noise. No chewing like a cow. Don’t stuff your mouth, eat like a human.

Do not ask for seconds. Liver and onions, pickled beets, and pig brains. Eat every bite of food, do not waste. You will not leave until you finish your food. People are starving in foreign countries. Sit up straight in your chair, do not slouch. Do you need to stay home?

Ask to be excused from the table.

Don’t forget your manners.

When adults are talking,

stay in a child’s place. Be seen and not heard.

You were taught better than that. Do not pop chewing gum. Children eat first, the man of the house gets the largest portion of food. Don’t flop down on the couch. Sit with your legs closed, cross your ankles. My favorite chair is not for you. Keep your hands off my wall, dust the baseboards, dust the trinkets. The bathroom and kitchen must be clean when guests visit. We only use the best China and flatware during special occasions. Use the correct fork and plate. Please your use your utensils properly. Never lick your fingers. Wipe your face. Put your napkin in your lap, not in your shirt. Say “please” and “thank you”.

Wait for everyone to be present at the table before you start eating. Your manners? When the phone rings, answer with a warm, “hello”.

Answer the phone after two rings. Don’t hang up before you say goodbye. Don’t slam the phone down, the caller doesn’t want to hear that. Don’t call back-to-back if they don’t answer. Put your phone on silent if you are eating dinner. Leave a message. Return a missed call. Remember your manners! When someone is speaking to you, answer. Make eye contact when someone is talking. Don’t mumble, speak loudly but not too loud. Wait until the person is finished talking, don’t interrupt. Actively listen. Don’t eavesdrop or repeat what you hear when someone is on the phone. Do not use broken English or slang. No adults, no company. Mind your manners.

Always wipe front to back.

Wash your hands before you touch anything in the kitchen. Pick up this bedroom before anyone sees it! It’s a mess!

Brush your teeth. You need to do something with that hair. It’s so frizzy and out of control! You look like a mess. Rinse the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.

Always wear good clean underwear in case we are in a car accident and you have to go to the hospital. You don’t want them to think we are nasty. Always say please and thank you.

You should eat what is served to you, even if you don’t like it. Disagree with your eyes, not with your mouth. It doesn’t matter if you think Uncle Christopher is creepy, give him a hug anyways. He doesn’t mean anything by it. Yes you have to talk to them, they’re family. Go meet your cousins.

Go play cheerleading with the other girls. You should always play nice with your cousins. You don’t want them to think you’re sour. You are NOT wearing pants to church. We’d be the talk of the town if you wore pants to church, Annessa. Be early, that’s really being on time. If we’re not the first ones there, they’ll think we forgot about em’. You know that you should always offer to help clean up the kitchen after a Sunday homecoming dinner. We don’t want them to think we’re lazy. Only eat Mama’s potato salad at the Homecoming at church. “Mom gets her feelins’ hurt if you eat someone else’s tater salad over hers, Nessa. Always pick your Mama’s.” This is how you use a dry spaghetti noodle to light a candle when your match keeps going out. This is how you plan a vacation. This is how you bake cupcakes for the bake sale. Always…, ALWAYS, participate in the bake sale. What will the others say if we don’t send something? This is how to shave your legs. Only girls who are having sex shave above the knee. Friday nights are for football games. Friday nights are not for partying all night on a strip job after the football game. Always stand up when you say the Pledge of Allegiance. Bow your head and take your hat off when prayer is being said. Memorize the 23rd Psalms. You should never let the flag touch the ground.

Men have died for that flag. You should only ever use Duke’s mayonnaise. Sometimes men cheat, but that’s okay because men should always get what they want. You should always obey your husband. Men are the head of the household. If you lay with dogs, you’re gonna get fleas. You can’t really blame him, she shouldn’t have been wearing that. You need to do a little work on your arm fat if you think you’re going to show them off in that prom dress.

You look like a hooker in that red. You shouldn’t drink malt liquor in the bathroom at the prom. It’s okay to dance with boys, but don’t give them the wrong impression.

What did you expect? You looked like a hooker in that red dress.

My father would always tell me you were supposed to be a boy. You were to clean the house. You were to mow the lawn. You were to feed me dinner. You were to make straight A’s. You were to take care of the dogs. You were to take care of your sister. You were to obey my rules. You were meant to choose me. You were meant to go to school for law. You were meant to be my lawyer. You were to clean the dishes. You were to clean the cars. You were meant to help me with school. You were to take care of your brother. You are to parent your brother and sisters. You were to work. You were to make all the money. You were to stay quiet about what happened. You were to not have friends. You were to eat everything you don’t like. You were meant to tend to the needs of guests. You were to bring me an opened beer bottle. You were to be punished for not doing what you were asked. You were to change the channel when I needed it changed. You were to stay hidden when I had friends over. You were to keep quiet about me cheating. You were to stay away from boys. You were to never get a boyfriend. You were to never keep your phone overnight. You were to eat what was given to you. You were to never eat too much. You were to be skinny. You were to go with me everywhere. You were to keep your mouth shut. You were to be supportive of me. You were to accept you stepmother. You were to not have games. You were not allowed to play games. You were not allowed to have friends. You were not allowed to leave the house without me. You were not allowed the choice of weather you could go.

You were to get me sick. You were to accept I was not paying for your college. You were to accept not having straight teeth. You were to accept the glassed given to you. You were to tell your mother lies. You were to accept new siblings. You were to come live with me. You were to listen to your stepmother. You were to go to school. You were to be given a punishment for not having straight A’s. You were to come home every day. You were to never run away. You were to stay with me and me only. You were meant to keep secrets. You were meant to not go to court. You were meant to keep me safe. You were meant to pay for my car. You were meant to pay for my place. You were meant to pay for your brother. You were meant to pay for your medical bills. You were a failsafe. You were meant to stay where no one could see you. You were meant to be humiliated by me. You were meant to be punished by me. You were meant to stay.

47

You don’t stay out too late; parents always know where you are; never be unreachable; always have someone walk with you; do not speak to strangers; stay within the neighborhood limits; always tuck your pockets; never have the tongue of your shoe looking like it is choking; the front door stays closed when home alone; especially never let the cats outside; I would never, the cars would destroy them; don’t talk back to your elders; don’t defend yourself, you’re wrong, they’re right; you are a Christian, you do not watch Harry Potter, you do not listen to secular music, you don’t dress up for Halloween, you don’t celebrate Christmas; Christmas.. is a Christian holiday, no?; we have to impress Grandma; don’t be gay; attend Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday service, if they are preaching, you should listen; go to church camp gleefully; if you get in trouble, you read the bible and reflect; I’m not even Christian though; you clean your room; you clean our parents’ room; you clean the kitchen; you clean the car; this is how you sweep, this is how you mop, this is how you wash a dish and don’t miss a single spot; remember to wipe down the sink and counters; absolutely never forget to defrost the meat when mom tells you too; this is how you brown the meat; this is how you reheat the leftovers; this is how you make ramen; this is how you make ramen again; this is how to take care of yourself; this is how to avoid a whooping; this is how to recover after a whooping; this is how to hide your tears; this is how to fight back; this is how to hide the fact that you’re being bullied; this is how you pretend to be sick; this is where you hide; this is how you sneak out; always hide the fact that you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, we do not date under their roof; always clean before guests arrive, you do not want to embarrass yourself; never do anything embarrassing, it will haunt you for years; this is how to dress; this is how to smell good all day long; this is how to seem tough; this is how to be vulnerable, don’t do it; this is how to depend more on your friends than you do your own family for support; this is how you beg for therapy; this is how you befriend nonblack people; this is how you fit in; do not be too pro black and make the others uncomfortable; this is how to embrace your culture; this is how to act how they expect you to act; this is how to act when they don’t want you to act that way; never wear your hood up; never have the windows in the car all the way rolled down, they’ll think you stole it; It’s mine though; never leave a store empty handed, always buy something no matter how small, they’ll think you stole something; never put your hands in your pockets, they’ll think you stole something; never look lost, you’ll look suspicious, they’ll think you’re stealing something; this is how to put on a pad; this is how to put on mascara; this is how to choose the right bra; this is how to move out and away as soon as you’re able to; Just like how you did?; just like how I did.

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